Mizoram: One dead as bridge collapses at NH-306

AIZAWL, February 14, 2018: In a tragic accident that took place in Mizoram, a 46-year-old man was killed and one other got injured when a bailey bridge over river Tuirini along the National highway-306 collapsed near Sesawng village, about 45 km north of Aizawl, on Tuesday.

The deceased has been identified as HC Lalfakzuala hailing from Sesawng village in Aizawl district. A university student Laltleipuia Hmar, 26, also from the same village, suffered back injury after being hit by the collapsed bridge and was taken to nearby hospital the same day.

Accoding to the sources the incident took place at around 10AM when the two victims were crossing the Bailey bridge which is under construction by state Public Work Department (PWD).

The injured Laltleipuia’s father Remlalchhuanga said, “The two victims had gone for timber work to nearby forest and it was when they barely reached the middle of the bridge by crossing it on foot, then it suddenly collapsed burying them under debris”.

Lalfakzuala died on the spot while Laltleipuia sustained injuries and was rushed to Public Health Centre (PHC) in nearby Thingsultliah village. He is stated to be out of danger.

Meanwhile, R. Lalzirliana, home minister Mizoram has expressed anguish over the incident and announced ex-gratia payment of Rs. 4 lakh to the relatives of the deceased. He said that financial assistance will also be given to the injured person depending on his condition.

Meanwhile, opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) legislator Lalruatkima strongly slammed the government for the incident and demanded the resignation of state PWD minister Lal Thanzara.

Lalruatkima, who paid a visit to the spot on Tuesday, said the PWD minister should take moral responsibility and hence tender resignation for being incompetent to look after his ministry.

While expressing sorrow and condoling the deceased, Lalruatkima demanded that the government should pay at least Rs. 10 lakh to the bereaved family as ex-gratia and medical reimbursement to the injured.

He also said that the incident which took place was not the first case in the state.